By PURPLELEC | 14 October 2024 | 0 Comments
A complete analysis of docking station power delivery: Why provide up to 100W PD?
Most high-performance laptops today require 65W or 85W of power delivery (PD), which raises the question: Why do many of the latest docking stations offer up to 100W of PD? This question makes sense once you take a closer look at the world of docking station power delivery.
What does the docking station power
The docking station not only powers the laptop, but also connects downstream peripherals such as smartphones, tablets, USB drives, and external hard drives. It acts like a charging station for desktop accessories, keeping devices charged and ready to use, allowing you to charge devices efficiently and keep your desktop tidy because you can power multiple devices using just the dock's power adapter.
The difference between fixed power and dynamic power delivery
Many docking stations offer fixed power output, which provides constant power regardless of the needs of the connected device. Dynamic power delivery, on the other hand, allows the dock to adjust power output based on the needs of the connected device, using energy more efficiently. However, it should be noted that when other devices are plugged in, it may affect the power delivery to the laptop. If the connected device consumes more power than the dock can provide, the power delivery to the laptop may be reduced or even stopped. Therefore, ensure that the power requirements of connected devices do not exceed the dock capacity to maintain optimal power delivery to the laptop.
Power Pass-Through Technology
Power Pass-Through technology allows connected devices to be charged while using the dock. When the dock is connected to an outlet, power "passes through" the dock to charge other devices. This is particularly useful for hybrid workers to reduce weight and clutter. For example, a USB4 portable docking station allows you to plug your laptop's USB-C® power adapter (80W or greater) into the dock for pass-through power, or use the laptop battery to power the dock and connected devices when traveling. For video, data, and power delivery, a 100W USB-C® GaN power adapter can be added to provide up to 85W of power delivery to the laptop and up to 15W of power to other accessories.
Power Delivery Considerations When Selecting a Docking Station
When selecting a docking station, consider the laptop's power requirements, the number of available ports, type, compatibility, and the size of the docking station. Also consider the dock's power delivery capabilities, such as output power and power delivery type (such as USB-C® Power Delivery). Most importantly, choose a docking station that is compatible with your setup and meets your work habits. Mobile docking stations are suitable for carrying around, while desktop docking stations provide more ports and connection options for fixed-location use.
Advantages of Thunderbolt™ Power Delivery
Thunderbolt™ 3 and Thunderbolt™ 4 docking stations provide excellent power delivery, providing up to 100W of bidirectional power to compatible devices. When connected to a compatible laptop, the battery can be charged through the Thunderbolt™ cable without the need for a separate power adapter. In addition to the power advantages, Thunderbolt docking stations also provide features such as high-speed data transfer, all through a single cable. For example, the Thunderbolt™ 4 Dual 4K/6K Docking Station supports the latest MacBook, Surface devices, and other Thunderbolt 4 laptops, providing 96W power delivery, support for up to two 6K displays, and data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, bringing a powerful docking experience.
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